Heater control hard to turn

[assembled]

Hi, I have been sorting out my BX after winter and wanted to tackle the hard heter control knob. Got it all in peaces, all cables out. Temperature control is moving two flaps and valve. It seems that both flaps and especially the upper one are not smooth. Valve seems rather ok. Is there anything that can be done about the flaps without panel out and splitting the unit? Car has sat for many years unused, I suspect that did not improve smoothness. It’s left hand drive, so good access to everything on both sides. Cable is fine, so is the panel controls.

[assembled]

What if I leave flaps in Hot position and have dial control only the valve? This way i would retain control but reduce risk of snapping something until I get a chance to sort out the flaps.

[panky]

I doubt it would do any harm and at least you would have some control.

[Jaba]

The right hand heater knob is always stiffer than the other two. The only damage that can occur would be to the knob itself. These can and do split around the spindle.